Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt—all nestled in a buttery tart shell. These indulgent mini desserts are elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough to make any day feel special. With their irresistible combination of sweet and salty, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.

ingredients

Easy Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsalted buttergranulated sugaregg yolkscold waterheavy creamdark chocolate (chopped or chips)soft caramels (or homemade caramel)sea saltvanilla extract

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a tart pan or mini tart pans.

To make the tart crust, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter in a food processor. Pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add egg yolks and a tablespoon of cold water. Mix until the dough comes together.

Press the dough evenly into the tart pan(s). Prick the bottoms with a fork and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. Let cool completely.

Melt the soft caramels with a splash of cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour the caramel layer into each cooled tart shell.

Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, or until the caramel is set.

Meanwhile, heat cream until just simmering and pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.

Pour the chocolate ganache over the caramel layer. Smooth the tops and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Chill for at least 30 minutes until firm before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6-8 mini tarts or one 9-inch tart.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 15 minutesChilling time: 45 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter profile.

Add a layer of crushed nuts between the caramel and chocolate.

Infuse the ganache with a bit of espresso for a mocha twist.

Top with berries or edible gold for a fancy presentation.

Make bite-sized versions in a mini muffin tin.

storage/reheating

Store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge before serving.Serve chilled or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tart shells?

Yes, pre-made tart shells save time and work great with this recipe.

Do I need to make homemade caramel?

No, soft store-bought caramels melted with cream are a quick and tasty option.

What type of chocolate is best?

Dark chocolate (60-70% cacao) balances the sweetness of the caramel perfectly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, these tarts can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

What if I don’t have a tart pan?

You can use a muffin tin lined with parchment strips for easy removal.

Can I add salt directly to the caramel?

Yes, for extra flavor you can mix a pinch of sea salt into the caramel layer.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month.

Why did my ganache separate?

Overheating the cream or chocolate can cause separation. Let it cool slightly before stirring.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust to make this recipe gluten-free.

Do I have to use egg yolks in the crust?

Egg yolks help with richness and binding, but you can substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of cream if needed.

Conclusion

Easy Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts deliver luxurious flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday, a dinner party, or just treating yourself, these decadent treats strike the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying. Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dessert lineup.